Oct 31, 2024
Register Today to Join Thought-Provoking Conversations on Waterway Trends, Management, Preservation and More
Buffalo, New York (October 31, 2024) – Registration is officially open for the World Canals Conference 2025 (WCC 2025), a gathering of inland waterway experts, enthusiasts, and stakeholders from around the world, happening on September 21-25, 2025, in Buffalo, New York. This year's conference holds special significance as it coincides with the Bicentennial of the opening of the original Erie Canal, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, commemorating its pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of the United States.
The WCC 2025 is an international forum to exchange ideas, tackle pressing challenges, and brainstorm innovative solutions for the future of inland waterways The conference theme is sustaining our multidimensional inland waterways and topics will range from development and preservation to tourism—on local, regional, and global scales.
Organized by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, and Visit Buffalo Niagara (the “Hosts”) in collaboration with Inland Waterways International, the conference offers attendees:
- Keynote speakers and presentations from inland waterway experts and enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Exclusive, full-day field sessions to significant canal and cultural sites in Western New York.
- Networking events designed to foster collaboration and prompt discussions around the significance and impacts of inland waterways everywhere, shared challenges, and visions for transforming them for the future.
- Pre- and post-conference tours that extend from New York City to Canada, along with community events and activities, which explore the impact of the Erie Canal on the region’s history, arts, culture, and specialty foods and beverages.
- The Bicentennial voyage departure of the Seneca Chief, a full-sized replica of the same boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the vessel will recreate its inaugural journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor accompanied by a historic flotilla.
Registration Information:
Early bird registration for WCC 2025 is now open for a limited time at a discounted price and can be purchased online at https://wcc2025buffalo.com/register/.
- Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
- Conference passes include access to field sessions, presentations, networking events, meals, and Bicentennial commemorations, as well as the option to sign up for pre- and post-conference tours.
Watch the trailer for a sneak peek of what you’ll experience, or visit the website for conference details and trip planning resources. To stay up to date on WCC 2025 news, sign up for the newsletter HERE.
About the World Canals Conference
The World Canals Conference (WCC) is an international event with a long tradition. The first conference was organized in 1988, and since then there have been 34 editions. The event changes location every year between countries on three continents. The WCC is the premier platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing about the management, history, and future of the world’s inland waterways. Since its inception, it has brought together participants from diverse sectors, including canal managers, engineers, historians, and local government representatives.
About the Erie Canal Bicentennial
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, revolutionized transportation and trade in the United States, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. This engineering marvel sparked economic growth, westward expansion, and technological innovation, earning its place as a National Historic Landmark. WCC 2025 will honor this significant milestone with special programming dedicated to the canal’s enduring influence.